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Seizure and Forfeiture of Property in Duval County, FL

If the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or a beaches police department took your cash, vehicle, or other property, the seizure was made under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, Sections 932.701–932.706, Florida Statutes.

For the most part under Florida law, forfeiture is civil, not criminal. For that reason, the agency can seize your property even if no one is ever arrested. After a seizure, you should receive a written Notice of Seizure describing your right to a hearing. Read it immediately.

You have only 15 days to demand an adversarial preliminary hearing (APH). That hearing is frequently the best chance to force the early return of your property.

Jacksonville and Duval County share a consolidated government, so the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) handles most law enforcement across the county. JSO seizes cash and vehicles during traffic stops on I-95 and I-10, during search warrants, and through its narcotics units.

Federal agencies also seize property at Jacksonville International Airport and the JAXPORT seaport. A stop or a search is not proof. The law gives you the right to challenge the seizure.

Attorney for Forfeiture in Duval County, FL

Our asset forfeiture attorneys represent property owners throughout Duval County, including Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Baldwin.

We can file the demand for an APH, negotiate the early release of your property, and litigate the case to a jury if needed. Many cases are handled on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing unless we recover your property.

Call (813) 250-0500.

Agencies That Seize Property in Duval County

The following agencies in Duval County seize property for forfeiture:

  • Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO)
  • Jacksonville Beach Police Department
  • Atlantic Beach Police Department
  • Neptune Beach Police Department
  • Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
  • Federal agencies (DEA, DHS/CBP, and others) at the airport and JAXPORT

Forfeiture Deadlines in Duval County

Duval County is served by the Fourth Judicial Circuit. The circuit also covers Clay and Nassau counties. Civil forfeiture complaints filed by a Duval County agency are heard in the civil division of the circuit court at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.

The following deadlines apply in forfeiture cases under state law:

  • The Notice of Seizure must be served within 5 working days of the seizure.
  • You have 15 days after the notice to demand an adversarial preliminary hearing by certified mail.
  • The agency must apply for a probable cause determination within 10 business days.
  • The agency must file its forfeiture complaint within 45 days.
  • You have 20 days after being served with the complaint to answer and demand a jury trial.

Sample “Notice of Seizure” or Forfeiture Complaint in Duval County, FL

If law enforcement took your property, you might find the “notice of seizure” or “notice of forfeiture complaint” published on the Florida Public Notices website found at floridapublicnotices.com.

The notice of forfeiture complaint after a seizure by the Duval County Sheriff’s Office might provide:

Miscellaneous Public Notices

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOURTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR DUVAL COUNTY, FLORIDA

CLERK NO.: 16-2026-CA-00____
DIVISION: CV-H

IN RE: FORFEITURE OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: CURRENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $_________

T.K. WATERS, SHERIFF OF DUVAL COUNTY,

PLAINTIFF

vs.

_____________,
CLAIMANT(S)

NOTICE OF FORFEITURE COMPLAINT

TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING A SECURITY OR OTHER INTEREST IN THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY

The above-described property was seized pursuant to the provisions of the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, Florida Statutes, sections 932.701-.707, by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office on ___, 2026, at or in the vicinity of Duval County, Florida.

The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is currently in possession of said property and has filed a Complaint for the purpose of forfeiture of said property in the Circuit Court of the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida.

In order to protect your rights you must file an Answer to the Complaint with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Duval County Courthouse, Jacksonville, Florida, within twenty (20) days of this publication. You must also serve a copy of your Answer on Plaintiffs counsel, Andrew K. Kantor, Assistant State Attorney, 311 West Monroe Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202.

Failure to do so may result in the entry of a default against you and a Final Order of Forfeiture of the above-described property.

The Hearing, the Trial, and Your Right to Fees

At the adversarial preliminary hearing, the court decides only whether probable cause supports the seizure. A finding of no probable cause ends the forfeiture and can entitle you to up to $2,000 in attorney fees.

If the case proceeds to trial, you are entitled to a jury. The seizing agency must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the property was used in violation of the Act before it can keep it.

State and federal forfeiture move on different tracks and different timelines. It matters which agency took your property. If your money or vehicle was seized anywhere in Duval County, contact for a free and confidential consultation.

Call 813-250-0500.

This article was last updated on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.